Suspect Identified in Deadly Austin Bar Shooting

Authorities investigating potential terrorism link in attack that left 2 dead, 14 injured

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Investigators have identified the suspect in a deadly shooting outside an Austin bar that left 2 people dead and 14 others injured. The 53-year-old suspect, Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Senegal, is accused of opening fire from his SUV before exiting the vehicle and continuing to shoot. The FBI has joined the investigation, citing potential terrorism links, as authorities examine the suspect's background and online activity.

Why it matters

This tragic incident has shaken the Austin community and raised concerns about public safety, as well as the potential threat of domestic terrorism. The investigation into the suspect's motives and any potential ties to extremist ideologies will be closely watched, as officials work to determine if this was an isolated attack or part of a broader threat.

The details

According to police, the suspect drove an SUV around the block several times before stopping, activating his hazard lights, and opening fire on the crowd gathered at Buford's beer garden. He then exited the vehicle and continued shooting along West Sixth Street before being confronted and killed by officers. Authorities recovered a pistol and rifle at the scene, as well as additional weapons inside the SUV.

  • The incident occurred just before 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 2, 2026.
  • The suspect became a U.S. citizen in 2013 after arriving in the country in 2006.

The players

Ndiaga Diagne

A 53-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Senegal who had lived in the United States for roughly 15 years.

Lisa Davis

Austin Police Department Chief.

Robert Luckritz

Austin-Travis County EMS Chief.

Alex Doran

Acting Special Agent with the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Greg Abbott

Governor of Texas.

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What they’re saying

“Texas mourns with the families and loved ones of those who were horrifically killed in last night's attack in Austin. Cecilia and I pray for them, and we pray for the swift recovery of those who were injured.”

— Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas (dailyfly.com)

“This act of violence will not define us, nor will it shake the resolve of Texans. To anyone who thinks about using the current conflict in the Middle East to threaten Texans or our critical infrastructure, understand this clearly: Texas will respond with decisive and overwhelming force to protect our state.”

— Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas (dailyfly.com)

What’s next

The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force is continuing its investigation into the suspect's potential ties to terrorism, while also examining his background and online activity for any indicators of radicalization or mental health issues.

The takeaway

This tragic incident has raised concerns about public safety and the threat of domestic terrorism in Texas, prompting increased security measures and a resolute response from state leaders. The investigation will be closely watched as authorities work to determine the suspect's motives and any potential broader threats.